MINI TASK 1500 I found at show

OregonEdge

OregonEdge

Joined
Aug 13, 2005
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went to the monthly gun and knife show here in Portland, mostly looking for modern kershaws. I was kinda hoping to find some newer stuff, but didn't have much luck on any models I was looking for. I'm not sure I was even expecting to find any tougher discontinued models, but at the very end I found 1 small case with 1 Kershaw... an unused 1500 Mini Task with the ATS-34 blade. Couple of things i find interesting on this... I thought I would find a Patent Pending on the blade and the hardware (screws etc) were really older style. Anyway, everything looks original and the blade is virtually unused. Really cool, I thought. I'm always happy to find a hard to get model at a bargain. Great little knife too ;)
 
I have a PS Mini Task and I love it dearly. I know the liner locks were thin and the Speedsafe isn't as smooth as those on the newer Kershaws but the oldschool Kershaws (esp. the Onions) ooze that same raw goodness that well made custom knife has. They ain't got nothin' you don't need (no fancy coatings, snazzy pocket clips..et.). Nice pickup.
 
Great pick-up!
That is one of my favorites. I have the right handed serrated version. I'd like to find the RH-PE version, like yours next. Eventually I'd like to get all the variations.

I'd really love to see Kershaw do an updated version of it.
 
kneedeep said:
Great pick-up!
That is one of my favorites. I have the right handed serrated version. I'd like to find the RH-PE version, like yours next. Eventually I'd like to get all the variations.

I'd really love to see Kershaw do an updated version of it.
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I'm with you on that. Updated Random Task, Mini Task, Ricochet and Talons would be at the top of my list.
 
spiralarchitect said:
I'm with you on that. Updated Random Task, Mini Task, Ricochet and Talons would be at the top of my list.
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that's funny, because I have been thinking the same thing since I found it.... some re-issues with newer steels. The grinds on this are fantastic, very crisp. since it's an AO, I know they would want to make it in the USA, but maybe they could have the blades finished in Japan?. I really like the fit and finish of the stuff kershaw does there
 
I'm gonna spitball an idea...... Random Task and Mini Task matched pair, limited run, best materials money can buy, hand finished, K.O. signed, nice display case, and, without a doubt, big $$$$. Something super special to commemorate some anniversary (make one up if need be, K.O.'s something and 2/3 yr anniversary with the company) for the hardcore fans.
 
I saw one of these on cutlers cove for like $:eek::eek::eek:... but the interesting part was they claimed retail was up over $150 for this little knife in 1998. That's pretty hefty. If they did some of the work in Japan, they could maybe keep costs down on the hand finishing work. I would be interested if they keep the quality at this level. The little things you don't see much on productions (and customs for that matter) like flush screws on the pocket clip. It's perfectly smooth there, and all over the handle. That's what I like about the gentleman's folder... the handle is perfectly smooth, just like a fixed blade.

One thing to look at in the 3 photos below... the first 2 are mine with the older flat screws. The 3rd photo is from somewhere else and shows newer, more typical screws. I'm not sure when they switched over, but my guess is that mine was one of the earlier, first versions. Also, you'll notice the switchover from the bevelled thumbstud to a non-bevelled version. Anyone familiar?
 
Very sweet find !! I have all three versions in PE and combo, the only ones I don't have are the harder to come by lefty versions. One year they sold dozens of blems in mini's and randoms for $20 and $24 each. Now days a blem would probably bring $65 to $75 on the bay. When the minis first hit the streets they were bringing around $85 and still are worth every penny of that and more. They did a lot of changes with hardware on those models, screws , clips , ETC. Tim may have an answer to your question. Still one of my favorites along with the 1400 series knives. Are you going to tell us how much you got it for ?


Dave
 
I like the old screws and I really like ATS-34 steel.
I wish companies would still use ATS-34, I've become really adept at sharpening it.
Up until the last 6 months every knife I own was made prior to 2001.

That's a really nice find OE. :thumbup:

mike
 
Very nice find. Never knew such model even existed. Looks like a grandpa of the Scallion.
What is the material used for those handles? Carbon fiber?
 
OregonEdge said:
I saw one of these on cutlers cove for like $:eek::eek::eek:... but the interesting part was they claimed retail was up over $150 for this little knife in 1998.
Click to expand...

It was around $150. I gave nearly $200 for my Random Task in 98.
S60V(CPM440V as marked on mine) was the shiznic back in the day.
I'd love to see a reissue of both. :thumbup:
 
kershawguy said:
Very sweet find !! I have all three versions in PE and combo, the only ones I don't have are the harder to come by lefty versions. One year they sold dozens of blems in mini's and randoms for $20 and $24 each. Now days a blem would probably bring $65 to $75 on the bay. When the minis first hit the streets they were bringing around $85 and still are worth every penny of that and more. They did a lot of changes with hardware on those models, screws , clips , ETC. Tim may have an answer to your question. Still one of my favorites along with the 1400 series knives. Are you going to tell us how much you got it for ?


Dave
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Hey Dave, I saw a left handed mini task wharncliff just yesterday for $135, plain edge I believe. If I can find the link I'll post it.

Cheers,
Jon
 
my mini-task has become my fav. knife. the ats-34 holds a darn good edge! got mine at a gun show. it's now tip-up/non a.o. with a detent drilled in the blade. love it!:thumbup:
 
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